Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to launch a direct flight route from Lahore to Paris starting June 18, 2025. The national carrier will operate one weekly flight between the two cities, expanding its existing network of two weekly flights from Islamabad to the French capital.
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According to PIA management, the new Lahore-Paris route is aimed at improving passenger convenience, especially for those traveling from central and northern Punjab. The move is also expected to bolster the airline’s foreign exchange earnings.
Resumption of EU Operations After Safety Talks
The announcement comes amid PIA’s broader efforts to re-establish its presence in the European market. Parliamentary Secretary for Aviation Zeb Jaffar revealed during a National Assembly session that PIA has resumed flights to the European Union, with Paris being one of the initial destinations.
Jaffar credited the government’s engagement with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for paving the way for this resumption. Discussions are also ongoing with UK aviation authorities, signaling further expansion into the Western aviation market.
Profitable Turnaround Since March
Another key development shared during the National Assembly’s Question Hour was PIA’s return to profitability. According to Zeb Jaffar, the airline has been operating in profit since March 2024. This marks a significant turnaround for the loss-making national carrier, which has struggled with mismanagement and financial troubles for years.
Jaffar also criticized past statements made by lawmakers on the floor of the House, which she said had damaged PIA’s reputation internationally. “The consequences of those remarks were felt by the country,” she stated, highlighting the long-term impact of political rhetoric on national institutions.
Network Expansion and International Partnerships
In addition to the Lahore-Paris route, PIA has recently launched direct flights from Lahore to Baku, Azerbaijan. These flights operate twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The airline held a special event to introduce the new Baku route to travel agents and tour operators, underlining its strategy to boost regional connectivity.
Moreover, talks are underway with Turkish Airlines, which could lead to strategic partnerships that benefit Pakistani travelers through improved connectivity and shared routes. The government is actively pursuing profitable routes across the Middle East and North Africa, signaling a broader restructuring of PIA’s international network.
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As the government continues its efforts to revitalize the national carrier, officials remain optimistic about long-term sustainability. Zeb Jaffar noted that the impact of ongoing reforms and expansion efforts will become more visible in the coming months. The combination of new routes, restored EU access, and improved financial health paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the future of Pakistan International Airlines.